The Bearcat Event Center was “painted pink” Thursday evening  - all in an effort to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.

The first-ever Dexter High School volleyball team’s “Dig Pink” game brought out volleyball fans and Bearcats united in a bigger cause. And the event had sports rivals reaching across the volleyball net to join together in the fight against breast cancer.

Bearcats and Mules joined together in an exciting evening that included a 50-50 drawing, a silent auction, and a great night of volleyball action. Fans arrived at the game decked in pink – or quickly donned a pink 18 Fore Life t-shirt that were on sale in the BEC lobby. Folks took their time studying the bidding on outstanding donations from local businesses in the silent auction, and there was a festival atmosphere for a the night.

Prior to the game, the Bearcats and Mules teams exchanged “pink” gifts for the players, and took turns having their photos taken surrounding a Poplar Bluff fans’ pink jeep.

“They might be rivals on the court, but they are united in the fight against breast cancer,” said organizer Stacy Blocker.

Proceeds from the evening’s activities – including sales of shirts, volleyballs posted on the wall, stickers, and the silent auction, netted nearly $5,000. All funds, Blocker said, will be donated to the 18 Fore Life Foundation and will be used to help families in the area who are fighting breast cancer.

“This is an exciting night,” Blocker said.

During a break in volleyball action, DHS alumni and Poplar Bluff’s forever volleyball coach, Carol Davis about the significance of “Dig Pink.” Davis, a 1972 graduate of Dexter High School, is herself a survivor of breast cancer.

“We all know that one in every eight women are touched by breast cancer,” she said. The Mules volleyball team honors Davis with the “Coach Davis Fight Like a Volleyball Player Trophy” for the Mules team that raises the most money for the school’s own Dig Pink effort.

The Dexter Lady ‘Cat Volleyball Team and 18 Fore Life want to thanks Central Gardens for the donation of the special pink uniforms and equipment, and to the following sponsors that made Dig Pink 2011 a success:

• Angie Williamson
• Ann-Marie’s
• BA Sports
• Ben Franklin
• Canine Connection
• Central Gardens Residential Care Facility
• Corner Cottage
• Cory Blocker, PNP of Poplar Bluff Pediatrics
• Crowley Ridge
• Debbie Snider
• Dexter Family Eye Center
• EZ Check
• Eden Spa
• First National Bank
• LeGrand’s Hy-Tek
• Locust Street Florist
• Lucas Florist
• Lois’ House of Fashion
• LuvLeigh Creations
• Mark Twain Nursing Center
• Montgomery Bank
• Missouri Southern Healthcare
• Petal Stone
• Robin Northern Law Office
• Roy Owens Construction
• ShowMe Times
• State Beauty Supply
• Sterling Bank
• Stoddard County Cotton Company

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Dig Pink 2011